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We recognize that with the rapidly evolving COVID-19 (Coronavirus) situation in Canada, these are uncertain times for everyone.
At TurboTax, we're here to help. We've created the COVID-19 Tax Info Centre as a quick-reference resource to house any and all information related to how the pandemic may impact your tax filing experience. This hub will be updated in real-time as information becomes available, so be sure to check back to be kept up-to-date during this fluid situation.
Answers to commonly asked questions:
What is the government of Canada doing to help?
What kind of income support is available?
Both federal and provincial governments have provided a variety of programs and benefits for those in need of financial assistance during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Below is a list of federal programs designed to help. More information about assistance specific to your province can be found by visiting you local government website.
What is the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)?
Understanding the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), and who qualifies
What is the difference between the CERB and the CRB (Canada Response Benefit)?
What is the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)?
Do I have to repay these benefits?
Financial assistance programs
Individuals whose employment has been suspended, cancelled or delayed, may qualify for a number of financial assistance programs from the federal government.
Have you been laid off?
The following government assistance programs may be available to you:
Apply for Employment Insurance (EI)
Apply for the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB)
See if you are eligible for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
Are you quarantined, self-isolating, or caring for someone ill?
The following government assistance programs may be available to you:
Apply for the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB)
Are you self-employed?
The following government assistance programs may be available to you:
Are you caring for children?
The following government assistance programs may be available to you:
Apply for the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB)
Apply for the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)
Learn how to claim Covid-related childcare expenses in TurboTax
Are you a seasonal, part-time or contract worker, who has had your hours reduced?
The following government assistance programs may be available to you:
Apply for the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB)
See if you are eligible for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
Family assistance programs
Government child benefits and assistance are available to aid in the added costs of childcare and expenses.
Are you ill or caring for someone ill?
The following government assistance programs may be available to you:
Apply for the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB)
Do you have children?
The following government assistance programs may be available to you:
Assistance programs for businesses
Government programs are available to provide relief to businesses, such as assistance with wage subsidies, loans, and general tax relief.
Are you an employer?
The Canadian government has provided economic relief for employers on a number of levels, including:
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS)
Are you a non-profit or small business?
The following government assistance programs may be available to you:
Apply for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
Assistance programs for seniors
A new government program has been proposed to provide financial relief to seniors, and rules surrounding RRIFs have been temporarily amended.
Do you have RRIFs?
Required minimum withdrawals from RRIFs have been reduced by 25% for 2020.
Find out more by visiting the federal government website here.
Do you qualify for Old Age Security (OAS), or the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)?
Seniors who qualify for Old Age Security (OAS) will be eligible for a one-time, tax-free payment of $300, with those eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) eligible for an extra $200. Those eligible for both will receive the combined $500 total.
If you are already receiving OAS and/or GIS payments, there is no need to re-apply, as these increases are automatic.
Continue to check the federal government website for more information.
Tax assistance and personal finance
Tax credits and payment deferrals may be part of relief efforts for qualified Canadians.
Do you qualify for tax credits or deferrals?
Assistance for property owners
You may be eligible to defer your mortgage payments due to suspension of evictions and rent hikes.
Do you own property?
Property owners facing financial stress may be eligible for mortgage payment deferral up to 6 months.
To find out more, visit the Canada Mortgage and Housing Cooperation website here.
Assistance for Canadians with disabilities
Canadians with disabilities may be eligible for additional financial support
Do you qualify for disability support?
Related information:
How will receiving CERB benefits impact my taxes next year?
How do I know if I need to repay CERB or EI benefits?
How to return or repay the CERB
